The Untouchables Male Youth Program

The Untouchables are a 501 (C)3 mentor program located in the City of Alexandria, Virginia. The group focuses on developing male youth into successful men who live healthy and productive lives. The members are encouraged to strive for excellence and to make a positive impact in the lives of those in their sphere of influence. By employing a wholistic approach we address the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life, where members are constantly being exposed, educated, informed, and challenged with and about real issues that affect the way we live and interact in the world on a daily basis.The Untouchables meet at the Charles Houston Community Center every Thursday from 4:30pm to 5:30pm and engage in discussions, dialogues, and activities that are designed to stimulate the minds of the young men. The meetings and activities are facilitated by adult coordinators and are used to develop life skills and to create a self awareness along with an understanding of how they should think regarding what's going on in the world around them. One of the group's objectives is to discuss current events, problems, and concerns in an effort to emphasize character building and develop skills that will help them solve problems that they will encounter in life. The group's activities include: trips to ball games, museums, community service events, tutoring, civil marches, church, historical venues, bowling, etc.

Untouchables Creed

As a member of the Untouchables I promise to serve God at all times, respect and defend my family, always remain unified with my brothers and sister, and serve as a positive role model to my home, community, nation, and the world. I hereby commit my life to the betterment of myself, and all mankind; and in spite of any obstacles I will uphold these principles through the Spirit of God until I die, Umoja.The creed is a reflection of the groups value system. The Untouchables organization is anchored in the belief that God sits at the head of our table. The members are constantly reminded that our belief in God through Jesus Christ should govern the way we live, act and make decisions. The group regularly engages in discussions that highlight the obstacles and challenges we face during the daily experiences of life. During these discussions we take time to explore and analyze situations and identify appropriate responses, solutions, and courses of action that promote success and doing the right thing. At no time do we tolerate behaviors and attitudes that reinforces or encourages division, hate, condemnation, selfisness, disrespect, dishonesty, laziness, greed, lawlessness, quitting, or any behaviors that contradict the message that has kept the Untouchables a trusted organization in the community for over 20 years.

The history

In 1988 three young men Ronnie Haskins, Jason Terry, and Kevin Hillary came together and decided that they wanted to avoid the destructive behavior associated with drugs, alcohol and violence in their community. They made their desires known to Mr Theodore "T-Tot" Jones a psychological counselor with the City of Alexandria and with his guidance and encouragement the untouchables were born. The first meeting was held on September 20, 1988 which included thirteen young men who became the original members. The group's name, logo, creed and goals were developed during subsequent meetings which have continued strong throughout the years.

Recognitions

Over the years the Untouchables have received recognition from community and national organization such as: The NAACP, Resident Initiative Program Award from The Department of Housing and Urban Development, The Washington Council of Governments, which honored the group with the Council of Government Community Youth Award. In addition, the Untouchables have met with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in his chambers and with the Honorable Ben Mohammed. The group has also participated in the Mid-Atlantic Youth Leadership Conference, honored on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Visited with President Clinton in the White House, and many other acknowledgements.